Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IXpic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5

The picture above shows a shot of a camera inside what looks like the Millennium Falcon, with the blurred figures of Chewbacca, John Boyega’s Finn and a third character (Daisy Ridley’s Rey?) together in the cockpit.

Abrams also said he was “grateful” to The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson, and thanked George Lucas “for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part.”

Fisher – who died aged 60 in December 2016 – will still feature in the film as Princess Leia/General Organa, after Abrams announced that he would use unseen footage shot with her for The Force Awakens in Episode IX.

It's bittersweet facing my final chapter without her-She is simply irreplaceable. I'm finding solace in the fact that she won't BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.#CarrieOnForeverpic.twitter.com/7ueMqBxQwa

“It’s bittersweet facing my final chapter without her,” he wrote. “She is simply irreplaceable. I’m finding solace in the fact that she won’t BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news.”